Mexico calls increased Bolivian security presence around its diplomats a ‘siege’

Mexico on Wednesday denounced the increasing presence of Bolivian security forces, including the use of drones, around the Mexican ambassador’s La Paz residence, where a group of ex-Cabinet ministers and others loyal to former President Evo Morales have sought refuge.

Troops gathered in larger numbers around the residence beginning Tuesday, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said. Maximiliano Reyes, Mexico’s undersecretary for Latin America, described the Bolivian patrols around the diplomatic property as a “siege.”

In a diplomatic note of complaint to the Bolivian Foreign Ministry, Mexico said the drones flying over its ambassador’s residence “would result in undue meddling.” In a statement released almost at the same time, the ministry said it had summoned Bolivia’s ambassador to “explain the actions of Bolivian officials.”

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Relations between the two countries have been strained since Mexico granted asylum to Morales after he resigned Nov. 10 following a national upheaval over his claim of victory in an election marred by vote-rigging.

Morales has since relocated to Argentina and says he plans to stay involved in politics in neighbouring Bolivia, while some former top aides remain holed up in the Mexican ambassador’s residence.

Willson Santamaria, Bolivia’s deputy minister of public security, said the Morales loyalists would not be allowed to leave the country.

“We have taken the necessary steps so that the security forces immediately track and detect any help, any complicity in helping the fugitives flee the country,” he said.

Those who sought refuge in the Mexican ambassador’s residence include Juan Ramon Quintana, the former chief of staff for Morales, and five other former Cabinet ministers, according to a Mexican federal official. The official was not authorized to comment publicly about the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Several are accused by the interim government of President Jeanine Anez of electoral fraud or other crimes.

Mexico has complained that Bolivian security and intelligence officials have surrounded both the Mexican ambassador’s residence and the embassy, recording the movement of people in and out of the facilities and even impeding the “free transit” of the ambassador.

Erick Foronda, Bolivia’s presidential secretary, denied authorities are interfering with the movements of Mexico’s diplomats. The police presence at the diplomatic facilities was increased for security reasons following reports of planned demonstrations in the area, he said.